Sports Physicals in Memphis: A Parent’s Guide for the School Year
If your child plays a school sport in Tennessee, they’ll need a sports physical before the season begins. The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) requires every student athlete to have a current physical exam on file, and most middle schools and youth leagues require one too.
The good news: sports physicals are quick, affordable, and if you plan ahead, easy to fit into a busy summer schedule. Here’s what Memphis-area parents need to know.
What is a sports physical, exactly?
A sports physical (also called a pre-participation physical examination, or PPE) is a focused medical exam designed to make sure your child is healthy enough to play sports safely. It’s not the same as an annual well-child check, although the two can sometimes be combined.
A sports physical typically includes:
– A review of your child’s medical and family history
– Height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse
– Vision check
– Heart and lung exam
– Examination of joints, posture, and flexibility
– Discussion of any past injuries, current medications, or concerns
The whole appointment usually takes 20–30 minutes.
Who needs one and when
Tennessee schools generally require a sports physical dated within the last 12 months before participation. Most parents schedule them between June and August, ahead of fall sports tryouts. If your child plays multiple sports across different seasons, one physical typically covers the whole school year but check with your school’s athletic department to confirm.
Don’t wait until the week before tryouts. July is the busiest month for sports physicals across Memphis, and last-minute appointments are harder to find.
What to bring to the appointment
Before you come in, gather:
– Your school’s sports physical form (most schools provide a TSSAA form or their own version)
– Your child’s medical history, including any chronic conditions, allergies, or medications
– A list of past surgeries or significant injuries
– Insurance card, if using insurance
– Your child’s eyeglasses or contacts, if they wear them
If you don’t have the form, no problem, we have copies of the standard TSSAA form at Beloved Medical and can complete it during the visit.
How much does a sports physical cost?
Pricing varies by clinic. Many family practices in the Memphis area offer sports physicals between $25 and $60, often as a flat self-pay rate to make them accessible for families without insurance. Some insurance plans cover sports physicals as part of preventive care, especially if combined with an annual well-child visit. We’d recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
What if the doctor finds something during the exam?
This is one of the most important things parents miss. The point of a sports physical isn’t to “pass” or “fail” your child, it’s to catch potential issues *before* they become a problem on the field. If the doctor finds something, like a previously undetected heart murmur or a joint that needs attention, you’ll get clear guidance on next steps. In most cases, kids are cleared to play with no issue.
Booking a sports physical at Beloved Medical
We see student athletes from across Cordova, Memphis, Germantown, and Bartlett at our clinic at 8045 Club Parkway. Same-day appointments are often available throughout the summer, and walk-ins are welcome when our schedule allows.
**To book your child’s sports physical:**
– Call us at **(901) 249-0847**
– Or click to schedule online
If your child is also due for an annual well-child visit, vaccinations, or has had any health concerns over the past year, let us know when you book, we can often combine those into one efficient visit.
Tip: The earliest appointments tend to be in **June and early July**. If you can schedule before the rush, you’ll have your forms in hand well before tryouts begin.
*This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. School and league requirements may vary, please confirm specific requirements with your child’s school.*